Markus Wilhelm uses expertise in business leadership and solar energy to serve as the CEO of Strata Solar, LLC, based in North Carolina. At Strata Solar, Markus Wilhelm helps organizations meet clean renewable energy goals by creating and installing utility-scale solar energy systems.

Recently, Strata Solar was granted the engineering, procurement, and installation contract for Alabama Power’s first utility-scale solar facilities. With approval from the Alabama Public Service Commission, Alabama Power and Strata Solar will construct a 10.6 MW AC solar facility at both Fort Rucker Army Base and Anniston Army Depot. Strata Solar has scheduled installation to begin in the first quarter of 2016.

According to Wilhelm, Strata Solar looks forward to working on projects that will help the Fort Rucker Army Base and Anniston Army Depot their meet energy independence goals. The company is also eager to use its extensive experience implementing utility-scale projects to help Alabama Power build its electricity portfolio.

Markus Wilhelm has spent more than six years as chief executive officer at the nation’s most comprehensive solar company, Solar Strata, LLC. In addition to his work with Solar Strata, Markus Wilhelm engages with a number of industry groups and charities, including the United Solar Initiative.

The United Solar Initiative (USI) partnered with Solar Strata and the Appalachian State Department of Technology and Environmental Design to install a solar panel system at the San Ramon Arts School, which serves local children in San Ramon, Nicaragua. USI and a local Suni Solar team outfitted the arts building with a trio of 80 watt photovoltaic solar panels as well as 15 LED lights.

The advantages of the successful installation were immediately apparent. Rosario Gonzales, the school’s director, cited improved security and the ability to offer night sessions as two of the biggest benefits made possible by the new solar system. Gonzales also acknowledged the financial savings resulting from the solar panels and cost-effective LED lighting.

An experienced executive, Markus Wilhelm brings more than two decades of experience to his current position as the CEO of Strata Solar LLC in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In addition to his efforts with Strata Solar, Markus Wilhelm works with the nonprofit solar energy organization United Solar Initiative.

Founded in 2013, United Solar Initiative works to provide solar energy systems to areas that have limited access to electricity or rely on dangerous kerosene lamps. Over the past two years, the organization has provided solar panels to several organizations in and around Managua, Nicaragua.

In one recent project, volunteers from United Solar Initiative traveled to the Nicaraguan city of Matagalpa to install solar panels in schools located in the mountains. The volunteers teamed with a local Nicaraguan solar energy company, Suni Solar, to complete the project. Prior to the installation of the panels, the schools relied on kerosene lamps, which are expensive and unsafe. With the energy provided by the new solar panels, the schools are able to stay open at night for adult education and community events.

Markus Wilhelm has spent nearly seven years as the chief executive officer of Strata Solar, LLC. Markus Wilhelm works with a number of additional groups and organizations within the solar energy industry, including the United Solar Initiative.

In the past, members of United Solar Initiative (USI), Inc., have provided solar power to in-need communities all over the world. One of the organization’s most recent projects involved two volunteers visiting Matagalpa, Nicaragua, and installing solar panels at the Mina Verde 2 and San Antonio de Upa schools.

Both installations required the volunteers to travel several miles outside of the city, navigating a mountainous landscape. The USI solar panels were installed at both locations for the purpose of powering light bulbs during night classes. The schools had previously relied on costly, inefficient methods of lighting, including kerosene-fueled lanterns. The project was made possible not only by USI volunteers but through the help of Suni Solar, a Nicaraguan-based solar energy provider.

Since 2009, Markus Wilhelm has served as the chief executive officer of Strata Solar, LLC, one of the top solar providers in the United States. Beyond leading the Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based company, Markus Wilhelm supports the work of a number of organizations, including The Water Institute at the University of North Carolina, a group that works around the globe to improve access to safe water.

In addition to its research and educational activities, The Water Institute produces the WaSH Policy Research Digest. Developed to promote investment in the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) sector, the digest provides an accessible resource to help decision-makers around the world develop effective policy to address the needs of communities facing WaSH challenges.

Consisting of two sections, each issue of the WaSH Policy Digest focuses on recently published research surrounding WaSH policy, and provides a directory to additional resources on the topic. The Digest is published quarterly and can be found on The Water Institute at UNC’s website: http://waterinstitute.unc.edu/

An accomplished alternative energy executive, Markus Wilhelm serves as the CEO of Strata Solar, LLC, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In addition to his activities at Strata Solar, Markus Wilhelm serves as a speaker and sponsor for several industry events, including the NC Clean Tech Summit.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute for the Environment and Kenan-Fagler’s Center for Sustainable Enterprise are currently preparing to host the third annual NC Clean Tech Summit, which will be held February 18-19, 2016, at The Friday Center on the UNC campus. Industry professionals, policymakers, and academics from throughout North Carolina are expected to attend the event to take part in two days of networking, learning, and problem-solving activities.

This 2016 Clean Tech Summit will focus on several themes, including local and global trends about energy transition, government affairs, and clean tech financing. Energy thought leaders and experts from industry, government, and academia will explore these themes through panel discussions and keynote presentations.

In addition to learning activities for industry professionals, the 2016 Clean Tech Summit will feature workshops and sessions for university students as well as networking events to help connect them with internships and other employment opportunities. Additional information about the Summit can be found at http://www.ie.unc.edu/cleantech.